Measuring Sense of Belonging at Museums and Cultural Institutions (Poster 34)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Eight
  In Poster Session: Informal Learning Environments Research SIG Poster Presentation (Place-Based)

Abstract

Learning more about how some feel like the belong, or do not, can help museums become more socially inclusive. Informed by literature and interviews, we developed a model of belonging and associated survey instrument suited for use at museums and cultural institutions. We present results of a confirmatory factor analysis and criterion validation. An exploratory analysis of the results found differences according to gender and race/ethnic identity. Overall, community belongingness had the most significant impact on guests’ reported sense of overall belonging at the museum. Black or African American, Latinx and Asian guests thought of community more often related to their race and ethnic identity. In contrast, White guests thought of community in terms of a place or location.

Authors

• C. Aaron Price, American Meteorological Society
  Presenting Author

• Lauren R Applebaum, Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago
  Presenting Author

• Jeffrey K. Smith, University of Otago
  Presenting Author